Polygamy License Legitimacy Considered in Montana

Officials in Yellowstone County are reviewing a marriage application for Nathan Collier to marry Christine, with whom he's been living -- along with his 15-year-wife, Victoria.

“I’m not trying to redefine marriage. I’m not forcing anyone to believe in polygamy. We’re only defining marriage for us. We just want legitimacy. . . . We're not even asking for acceptance, we're just asking for tolerance. Let us live our lives together without fear. . . . It's about marriage equality.  You can't have this without polygamy.”
-- Nathan Collier

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Supreme Court's New Morality Means Justice for Polygamy

Activist Judges Say Scalia Right on 'Gay Marriage'

'Gay Marriage' Enables Polygamy Court Challenge

Polygamy Too: Federal Court Ruling for 'Gay Marriage' = Anarchy

Liberals Say Legalize Polygamy NOW

Also read Hollywood Mainstreams Polygamy in TV Series




-- From "Montana Polygamist Seeks ‘Legitimacy’ After Supreme Court Ruling" by Tanya Basu, Time Magazine 7/2/15

The Montana trio argue that under Friday’s landmark Supreme Court decision recognizing same-sex marriage across the country as legal, their polygamous relationship should be legally recognized and guaranteed the same rights as heterosexual and homosexual marriages. “If you read the justice’s statement, it applies to polygamists,” Collier said.

He’s referring to the dissent by Chief Justice John Roberts, who argued that the reasoning for giving same-sex couples the right to marry “would apply with equal force to the claim of a fundamental right to plural marriage.”

Spurred by Roberts’ words, the three decided to go to the courthouse Tuesday armed with the Supreme Court ruling. County clerks initially denied to give a marriage license upon learning that Collier’s marriage with Victoria had not been dissolved. But the clerk returned afterwards, saying that they would refer to the county attorney’s office before making a decision. The county’s chief civil litigator is looking to have a formal response by early next week:

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Montana man applies for polygamous marriage license" by Lori Grisham, USA TODAY Network 7/2/15

Collier met both of his wives in 1999. He married Victoria in 2000 and had a spiritual ceremony with Christine, he said. Collier now wants to legalize his marriage to both of them, he said.

Their family is not new to the public eye. They appeared on the TLC reality show Sister Wives in January.

Kevin Gillen, the Yellowstone County chief civil litigator, is reviewing Montana's bigamy laws and plans to respond next week, according to the AP.

If they deny the license application, Collier plans to get an attorney and file a civil rights lawsuit, he said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Montana man seeks license for second wife" by CBS News/AP 7/1/15

Collier, 46, said that [Chief Justice John Roberts'] dissent inspired him. He owns a refrigeration business in Billings . . .

Collier said he is a former Mormon who was excommunicated for polygamy and now belongs to no religious organization. He said he and his wives hid their relationship for years, but became tired of hiding and went public by appearing on the reality cable television show "Sister Wives."

The three have seven children of their own and from previous relationships.

"It's two distinct marriages, its two distinct unions, and for us to come together and create family, what's wrong with that?" said Christine. "I don't understand why it's looked upon and frowned upon as being obscene."

Collier said he sent an email asking the ACLU of Montana to represent him in a possible lawsuit. ACLU legal director Jim Taylor said he has not seen the request.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Click headlines below to read previous articles:

1 Mom, 2 Dads & Baby: ABC News Promotes Polyamory

'Husband' Impregnates Both 'Married' Lesbian Wives

Teen Girl to Marry Father in New Jersey—Incest OK

Pedophiles Win in 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals

Fired Pregnant Lesbian Sues Mont. Catholic School

Shaela Evenson was artificially impregnated so that she and her lesbian partner, Marilyn Tobin, could birth their first child (which they did on March 7th), but once the Roman Catholic Diocese of Helena, Montana became aware of the pregnancy, Evenson was fired from her teaching position at Butte Central Catholic Schools for breach of contract: not practicing the tenets of the Catholic Church — both at school and in her private life.

For background, read Pennsylvania Catholic School Fires Homosexual Teacher and also read of myriad Christian school firings over immorality issues.

In addition, read California Parents Say: Drop Morals for Catholic School Teachers as well as Gays, Teachers Unions March Against Catholic School Morals



-- From "Teacher Fired for Pregnancy Sues Catholic School" by The Associated Press 8/22/14

Shaela Evenson filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court in Butte on Thursday, alleging her firing violated federal and state laws that prohibit discrimination based on pregnancy . . .

The lawsuit argues that the school district does not investigate male employees and nonpregnant female employees for compliance with Catholic Church teachings.

Evenson's lawyer, Brian Butler, of Cincinnati, won a $170,000 jury award in a similar case in Ohio (Christa Dias). He said the case made it clear that an employer, even a religious institution, cannot require an employee to give up certain civil rights as a condition of employment.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Teacher fired for pregnancy sues Butte Catholic schools" by Montana Standard staff 8/21/14

As a result of the firing [the lawsuit claims], she has incurred damages including lost wages, benefits and emotional distress. She is asking for back pay, compensatory and punitive damages — and a jury trial.

In the summer of 2013, Evenson, who is not married, became pregnant through artificial insemination, court documents show. The lawsuit says the then superintendent of schools for the diocese, Patrick Haggarty, called Evenson into a meeting on Jan. 9. He told her that he and the bishop of Helena had received an anonymous letter stating she was pregnant and not married — a violation of her contract. He suggested she resign; Evenson refused.

On Sunday, Jan. 12, Haggarty sent a letter to Evenson, by email, saying she was immediately terminated for having a child out of wedlock. The letter, in part, said that she violated school and diocese policies, and moral and religious teachings of the Catholic Church.

Evenson contends she was fired because of her sex and pregnancy.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Pope Francis opposes same-sex marriage and warns of Satanic homosexual behavior

MT Schools, FL Reject Atheist Anti-Christmas Demands

After allowing several "holiday displays" in the Florida Capitol, including a Festivus pole and a chair of spaghetti with eyeballs next to the Christmas Nativity scene, officials said "no" to an homage to Satan.

In Montana's Flathead Valley, three high schools defied threats from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) by holding their "holiday concert" at a Mormon church.

For background, read how the Obama Administration is Using the Military to Attack Christmas

And also read the latest news of the secular rebellion against Christmas.

-- From "Florida rejects request to install Satanic display" by The Associated Press 12/19/13

The Department of Management Services emailed The Satanic Temple on Wednesday, telling the group its proposed display of an angel falling from heaven into an open fire was "grossly offensive."

Co-founder Lucien Greaves says the group asked what was offensive, acknowledging they might be willing to alter the display, but they didn't get a response Thursday.

Several groups have been allowed to put up displays in the Statehouse rotunda because the area is considered to be a public forum.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Florida Rejects Satanic Temple Holiday Display Application" by Jessica Palombo, WFSU (Florida Public Radio) 12/19/13

The rejected Satanic Temple display is a 3-D depiction of Satan falling from heaven into hell accompanied by a Bible verse recounting the fall.  It also said “Happy Holidays from the Satanic Temple.”

Freedom from Religion Foundation lawyer Andrew Seidel says the state has shown an unconstitutional preference for Christianity.

Seidel’s group has a Winter Solstice banner on display at the Capitol. That’s alongside a Flying Spaghetti Monster, a Festivus pole and the nativity scene that started the debate.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Satanic Temple considers fight over display" by Jim Turner, The News Service of Florida 12/20/13

Lucien Greaves, a spokesman for the New York-based temple, said in an email on Thursday that he was "genuinely surprised" the Department of Management Services "would place itself in such a seemingly awkward position" by refusing to allow the temple's display.

However, before filing any legal challenge, Greaves said his group is giving the department a short time to clarify the offensive nature of the display and to see if some compromise could be worked out.

The state agency had recently approved two Christian nativity scenes, a pole made of empty beer cans, banners from atheists and a shredded pile of paper that is supposed resemble the deity of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.

The ACLU said it has yet to hear from the temple, but it would like to hear from any group "wrongfully denied" from being able to put up a display in the rotunda.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "ACLU opposes Montana high school choir performances" by Dax VanFossen, KAJ-TV18 (Kalispell, MT) 12/5/13

While these performances are taking place at a religious venue, Assistant Superintendent of Kalispell Public Schools Dan Zorn said the school choirs perform at many venues all across the Flathead Valley.

Zorn said the student choirs from both Glacier and Flathead High Schools do numerous performances throughout the year, and at no time are they being partial to one group or another, nor are they teaching the students religion.

"We're not promoting religion, we're not supporting any religious belief here," Zorn said. "We're taking advantage of an opportunity for our kids to perform, regardless of the religiousity or I guess the religious underpinnings that might or might not be in place."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "School Choir Holds Christmas Concert at Church Despite Atheist Complaints" by Katherine Weber, Christian Post Reporter 12/6/13

Dozens of student members of the Flathead, Glacier and Whitefish high school choirs performed their annual "Peace on Earth Community Christmas Celebration" at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kalispell Thursday. They will be performing a second time Friday evening. School officials decided to go through with the performance despite recent complaints from the ACLU and FFRF which argued the concert was an unconstitutional violation of the separation of church and state due to public school involvement with church activity.

. . . Kalispell Superintendent Darlene Schottle wrote in a formal response to the ACLU that not allowing students to voluntarily participate in the concert could also be seen as a constitutional violation of the right to freely express one's religion. "One could interpret that by denying district students the opportunity to participate because of the Christian theme of the overall event might be in violation of the second half of the establishment clause, 'prohibiting the free exercise thereof.' Students may 'opt out' of assignments and/or activities that might conflict with their belief system to assure that the district is not placing them in a situation they might find uncomfortable."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Atheists Sue to Bring 'Goofy' Jesus Down in Montana

Atheists Sue to Bring Goofy Jesus Down in Montana

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation is considering an appeal of the decision of U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen to allow the "goofy statue of Jesus Christ," placed by the Knights of Columbus in the 1950s, to remain on Big Mountain at the Whitefish Mountain Resort where He overlooks Whitefish Lake and the Flathead Valley in Whitefish, Montana.

For background, click headlines below to read previous articles:

Atheists Sue to Remove Christ from 9/11 Memorial

Atheists Want Marine Memorial Demolished at Pendleton

Atheists Want WWI Memorial Cross Demolished in Rhode Island

Lone Atheist Removes Cross from Catholic Athletes

University Strips Crosses from Students' Chests

Atheists Knock Christmas Cross Off Illinois Water Tower

Supreme Court Says No Crosses - Does that mean Arlington Also?

-- From "Judge: Jesus statue can stay on Montana mountain" by The Associated Press 6/28/13

The judge disagreed with a Wisconsin-based group of atheists and agnostics that argued the Forest Service was unconstitutionally sanctioning the statue. Its religious nature has been made clear in special-use permit applications since the 1950s, the Freedom From Religion Foundation had argued.

The Forest Service first indicated in 2011 that it would reject a new permit for the statue, which occupies a 25-by-25 foot patch of land at Whitefish Mountain Resort. But the agency reversed itself in 2012 amid public outcry.

Christensen said that the statue does not convey to a reasonable informed observer that the government, rather than a private party, endorses Christianity over any other faith or the absence of faith. The new federal judge, appointed by President Barack Obama in 2011, said the statue is one of the last remaining remnants of the original Big Mountain Ski Resort, and some locals say it reflects the transition from old timber town to tourist hotspot.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Jesus statue can stay on Montana mountain, federal judge decides" by Matt Pearce, Los Angeles Times 6/29/13

In 2011, the Freedom From Religion Foundation — a Madison, Wis.-based group of atheists, agnostics and skeptics — objected to having a religious statue on federal land. That prompted the Forest Service to decide the statue should go, only to quickly reverse course after falling under criticism [by local residents and the Knights]. Freedom From Religion then sued the government.

U.S. District Judge Dana Christensen, who was appointed to his bench by President Barack Obama in 2011, granted the Knights of Columbus permission for a 10-year permit to stay on the site. Christensen ruled that the ski Jesus has been a little too goofy to be sacred, as the suers had claimed.

"The statue's secular and irreverent uses far outweigh the few religious uses it has served. The statue is most frequently used as a meeting point for skiers or hikers and a site for photo opportunities, rather than a solemn place for religious reflection," the judge wrote in the ruling. "Typical observers of the statue are more interested in giving it a high-five or adorning it in ski gear than sitting before it in prayer."

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Judge says Big Mountain Jesus can stay" by Daily Inter Lake (NW Montana) 6/27/13

“Leasing public land within a private ski resort to a private organization that maintains a statue of Jesus does not violate the establishment clause,” Christensen ruled, referring to the First Amendment’s assurance that the state shall not establish a religion.

Charlie Harball, the Kalispell attorney representing the Knights of Columbus locally, praised Christensen’s ruling. “I think it is a very well written ruling. He applied the law in a very thoughtful way. If it is appealed, it will go to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. We feel very comfortable that Judge Christensen’s ruling will withstand the scrutiny of the court of appeals.”

According to Flathead National Forest Supervisor Chip Weber, "I am pleased that the court validated the re-issuance of this special-use permit. It is my position that the statue has been a long-standing object in the community since 1955.  It is important to the community for its historical heritage in association with the early development of the ski area on Big Mountain.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 8/31/15: From "'Big Mountain Jesus' gets OK from 9th Circuit Court of Appeals" by Vince Devlin, Helena Independent Record

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday ruled that a 12-foot statue of Jesus at Whitefish Mountain Resort “did not sprout from the minds of (government) officials and was not funded from (the government’s) coffers.”

The Ninth Circuit upheld a 2013 decision by U.S. District Court Judge Dana Christensen, who dismissed a lawsuit by the Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation objecting to the statue.

“Thank goodness for common sense,” said Eric Baxter, senior counsel of the Becket Fund for Religious Liberty, who argued on behalf of the statue that has stood on a mountain at the ski resort for 61 years. “Today’s decision rejects the idea that history and the First Amendment ought to be enemies.”

Judges Harry Pregerson of Woodland Hills, California, N. Randy Smith of Pocatello, Idaho, and John Owens of San Diego heard the appeal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 8/31/15: From "Federal government’s allowing Big Mountain Jesus statue on federal land in Montana doesn’t violate the Establishment Clause" by Eugene Volokh, Washington Post

Here’s most of the opinion, signed by Judges N.R. Smith and John Owens:

First, USFS’s decision to renew the statue’s permit reflected a primarily secular purpose. The government identified secular rationales for its continued authorization including the statue’s cultural and historical significance for veterans, Montanans, and tourists; the statue’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places; and the government’s intent to preserve the site “as a historic part of the resort.” . . .

Second, USFS’s permit authorization did not constitute an endorsement of religion. Our determination is based on the following: (1) there is nothing in the statue’s display or setting to suggest government endorsement; the twelve-foot tall statue is on a mountain, far from any government seat or building, near a commercial ski resort, and accessible only to individuals who pay to use the ski lift; (2) the statue’s plaque communicates that it is privately owned and maintained — “it did not sprout from the minds of [government] officials and was not funded from [the government’s] coffers”; (3) besides the statue’s likeness, there is nothing in the display or setting to suggest a religious message. . . . (4) the flippant interactions of locals and tourists with the statue suggest secular perceptions and uses: decorating it in mardi gras beads, adorning it in ski gear, taking pictures with it, high-fiving it as they ski by, and posing in Facebook pictures; (5) local residents commonly perceived the statue as a meeting place, local landmark, and important aspect of the mountain’s history as a ski area and tourist destination; and, (6) there is an absence of complaints throughout its sixty-year history . . .

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Christmas Music at School is a 'Form of Bullying'

Alex Apostle, superintendent of the Missoula County Montana Public Schools, received an anonymous letter complaining that the Christmas concert at Chief Charlo Elementary School is unfair, unconstitutional and is a form of bullying because songs include Jesus Christ.

For background, read God Censored at North Carolina School, Citizens Rebel and also read Nativity Banned at Florida School by Obama Dept. of Education as well as Christian Spotted in Alabama School, Obama Dept. of Ed. Investigates

-- From "Chief Charlo Elementary parents to MCPS: Holiday program too religious" by Betsy Cohen of the Missoulian 12/13/12

“With many of the children in our neighborhood up here being Jewish and Buddhist, as well as a few Muslim and atheist students, we were assured that this year it would be a secular program,” said the letter, which was signed by “concerned parents” but listed no individual names.

“One of the largest complaints last year were the young children singing about ‘their lord.’ This was concerning to many families and it was clear that several of the students were uncomfortable.”

The letter went on to say: “We have no problem with it being called a Christmas concert, it’s just the fact the material should be secular. Frosty the Snowman, Santa Claus, Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer. These are things that offend no one, but when the children are singing about their lord and savior, Jesus Christ ... public school is not the place.”

When contacted for more information about the matter, two of the concerned parents said they did not want to publicly share their names, as they were concerned about their children and families being further ostracized or singled out.

During the morning concert, in which the K-3 classes sang, the song lineup was as follows: “Joy to the World,” “Up On a House Top,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” “O Christmas Tree,” “O Come Little Children,” “Deck the Halls,” a Polish lullaby ( the words of which are sung to baby Jesus), a Hanukkah song, a pinata song, a Nutcracker rhythm piece, concluding with “We Wish You a Merry Christmas.”

The afternoon programming, which the grade 4-5 classes performed included: “Season of Bells,” “Dreidel Spins,” “Good Christian Men Rejoice,” “Merry Merry,” “Jolly Old St. Nicholas,” concluding with “Go in Peace.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Chief Charlo Elementary 2011 Christmas Program video:

Also read Missouri Votes to Bring Prayer Back to School, Countering Atheists

Abortion Unconstitutional via Roe v. Wade: Personhood

According to Roe v. Wade, abortion could not be permitted if an unborn fetus was proven to be a “person” as legally defined by the 14th amendment.

For background, read Personhood Amendment Pushed in Mississippi and also read Abortionists Fear Personhood Movement Gaining Steam as well as Pro-life States Press Personhood, Abortionists Sue

UPDATE 8/11/11: Just what did Roe v. Wade do in 1973?

-- From "'Personhood amendment' approved for signatures in Montana" by Marnee Banks, KRTV-3 (Great Falls, MT) 8/5/11

CI-108 would define a person to include all human beings at every stage of development including fertilization or conception.

The Montana Pro Life Coalition attempted to pass a similar measure in the 2010 election and failed.

Groups including Montana Right to Life, Montana Catholic Conference, and the Family Foundation all opposed the "personhood amendment" last election cycle saying this was not the way to make abortion illegal.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Montana ‘Personhood’ amendment approved for petition drive" by Virginia Chamlee, Florida Independent 8/8/11

Personhood Florida is currently trying to place a similar measure on the Sunshine State’s 2012 ballot. Pro-life lawmakers are wary of throwing their support behind the bill — preferring, instead, to stay on the fringes of the abortion issue and support initiatives like mandatory ultrasound and parental notification bills.

Though Personhood initiatives have been viewed as radical, even among conservatives, the movement has gained traction in the past year. In Mississippi, a Personhood Amendment has received a slew of high-profile endorsements, including Mississippi Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant and American Family Association founder Don Wildmon. The Mississippi Personhood Amendment will be voted on this November.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Mississippi Initiative To Outsmart Roe v. Wade, Prohibit Abortion" by Amelia Rufer, U.S. Election News 8/7/11

SECTION 33. Person defined. As used in this Article III of the state constitution, "The term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof."

The measure would formally add unborn fetuses to the list of civil right-bearers, thereby making abortion illegal in the state of Mississippi. Implications are wide-spread and controversial for the upcoming proposal. Obamacare would not be able to fund abortions in this particular state, a widely-disputed issue in-and-of itself. Research of embryo stem cells would be halted. Contraceptions that prevent the egg from accepting sperm would be just as easily obtainable, as would in vitrofertilization (IVF). Designating abortion as “murder” will no longer be restricted to a moral preference, but will instead hold legal weight. A challenge to Roe v. Wade (1973), the initiative is expected to reach the supreme court if passed.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.



From "Abortion Made Illegal: Mississippi’s Personhood Initiative" by K. Douglas Lee, posted at BigGovernment.com 8/5/11

If Mississippians vote Yes on Amendment 26, all human beings would be ensured equal rights in our state and protection under law, regardless of their size, location or developmental stage. Calling abortion “murder” will no longer be merely a moral judgment, but an established legal determination. In other words, abortion will be illegal.

. . . As a bonus, human cloning, embryo stem cell research, and other forms of medical cannibalism would be effectively stopped, necessarily focusing the attention of medical researchers on approaches that have been proven to actually work (like adult stem cells) and do not require the killing of an innocent person. This initiative also stops Obamacare from funding abortions in the state of Mississippi with your tax dollars; after all, anyone performing an abortion will be arrested.

[Also] . . . all forms of contraception that merely inhibit the egg from hooking up with a sperm will still be legal and easily obtainable, and in vitro fertilization (IVF) will still be legal and as obtainable as it is now.

To read the entire opinion column above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Pro-life Legislation Floods America

ACLU Loses: MT Marriage Amendment Holds

A District Judge in Helena has ruled against the American Civil Liberties Union in a case questioning whether Montana fails to provide full legal protection for same-sex couples.

-- From "MT judge rules against couples in same-sex rights case" by Dennis Bragg & Melissa Anderson, KXLH-TV9 (Helena, MT) 4/21/11

The ACLU filed the case last summer on behalf of seven couples from several Montana cities, representing 14 gay men and lesbian women who are involved in what the agency called "committed, intimate, same-sex relationships" and raising children.

The ACLU claimed the state offers "numerous protections, rights and benefits" to "different-sex" couples that aren't available to same-sex couples.

Montana's Constitution doesn't recognize same-sex marriage and state law doesn't provide other provisions like "domestic partnerships" available in some other states.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Montana judge rejects gay couple rights suit" by The Associated Press 4/21/11

The gay couples weren't asking for the right in the lawsuit to marry, which the Montana Constitutional defines as between a man and a woman. Rather they wanted to be able to make burial, health care and other decisions, while enjoying such benefits as jointly filing taxes.

The attorney general's office has countered in court that Montana can't extend spousal benefits to gay couples because those benefits are limited to married couples by definition since Montana voters in 2004 approved the marriage amendment.

The state argued in court that the Legislature is free to create a new, separate class for couples regardless of sexual orientation. It argued such a policy choice should be made by the state, and not the courts.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Montana Family Foundation praises ruling favoring traditional marriage" by David Jay, KTVQ-TV2 (Billings, MT) 4/21/11

In his ruling, District Court Judge Jeffrey Sherlock dismissed the case. He stated he can not instruct the legislature to pass laws to give same sex couples the same rights as married couples.

"This court can not grant the relief that the Plantiffs seek," Sherlock wrote. "To do would violate the constitutional separation of powers existing in the state of Montanan."

On its website, the ACLU says it has not decided if it will appeal, but it disagrees with the decision.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Pro-life States Press Personhood, Abortionists Sue

Personhood bills are seen as a direct attack on Roe v. Wade, the 1973 Supreme Court decision that made abortion a right under the U.S. Constitution. Roe implied that if unborn babies were legal “persons,” they would have a right to life under the 14th Amendment, pro-life groups say.

For background, read Unborn Are People Too and also read Personhood Amendment Pushed in Mississippi

-- From "Drive grows for states to recognize ‘personhood’" by Cheryl Wetzstein, The Washington Times 4/21/11

Mississippi voters are likely to be the first in the nation to add to their state constitution “personhood” language that declares unborn children to be persons, effectively outlawing abortion and setting up a potential Supreme Court showdown — if they get a chance to vote on it in November.

The Alabama Legislature is considering two personhood bills this month, and at least seven other state legislatures introduced similar bills this year, said Keith Mason, a Christian minister who launched Personhood USA in 2008 with fellow evangelist Cal Zastrow.

“Sanctity of life” handles emerging issues like “destructive stem-cell research,” human cloning and creation of human-animal chimeras, said Daniel Becker, president of Georgia Right to Life and author of “Personhood: A Pragmatic Guide to Prolife Victory in the 21st Century and the Return to First Principles in Politics.”

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

UPDATE 6/6/11: Mississippi Supreme Court hears arguments on personhood amendment

From "Legal challenge to Mississippi ‘Personhood’ amendment maybe headed to state Supreme Court" by Ashley Lopez, The Florida Independent 4/22/11

According to a press release from Personhood USA issued today, the ACLU and Planned Parenthood have appealed to the state Supreme Court in their challenge to Mississippi’s controversial Personhood Amendment.

Mississippi’s Personhood Amendment 26 states that the “term ‘person’ or ‘persons’ shall include every human being from the moment of fertilization, cloning or the functional equivalent thereof.” The amendment could result in making all abortions across the board illegal in the state of Mississippi. Such legislation is seen by members of the anti-abortion movement as walking “right through” a door that Roe v. Wade leaves open.

The Personhood movement has seen some legislative victories in various other states. State legislatures in North Dakota and Iowa have passed bills. According to a Personhood USA press release, representatives in Montana, Texas and Oklahoma have introduced similar legislation. Mississippi remains somewhat unique by seeking fetal “personhood” through a state constitutional amendment — a method that is seen as less likely to provide results.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Planned Parenthood Ignores Fetal Pain; Goes After Personhood Amendments" by Keith Mason, Personhood USA, posted at Christian Newswire 4/21/11

In July of 2010, Planned Parenthood and the ACLU filed suit to disallow Mississippi voters from voting on the Mississippi Personhood Amendment. In October, the lawsuit was rejected. The Court decision read "Initiative Measure No. 26 has received more than the required amount of signatures to be placed on the ballot and the Constitution recognizes the right of citizens to amend their Constitution."

Now Planned Parenthood and the ACLU have appealed to the State Supreme Court, a decision made especially conspicuous by Planned Parenthood's recent refusal to challenge various "Fetal Pain" bills. According to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, one abortion in 2010 would have been prevented by the Fetal Pain bill. By contrast, Mississippi's Personhood Amendment 26 would make all abortion illegal by recognizing the personhood rights, first and foremost the constitutional right to life of all children, born and preborn.

This is not the first time that the ACLU and Planned Parenthood have tried to stop Personhood USA -- numerous lawsuits have been filed, albeit largely unsuccessfully, in an attempt to stop Personhood USA and its state affiliates.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "New bills in Alabama would grant personhood at the ‘moment of fertilization’" By Sofia Resnick, The American Independent 4/4/11

These proposed laws do not address abortion or the legal implications therein, but [attorney Ben DuPré of the Foundation for Moral Law] told The American Independent that if the personhood bills pass, then Alabama lawmakers will have to address “whatever flows from that.”

DuPré . . . also noted that Alabama’s constitution defines corporations as persons, but not unborn babies.

Asked how the this type of state constitutional amendment would stand up against U.S. law, which grants the legal right to an abortion, DuPré said that within the Roe v. Wade Supreme Court decision, there is a particular passage that opens up the case for personhood:

The appellee and certain amici argue that the fetus is a person within the language and meaning of the Fourteenth Amendment. . . . If this suggestion of personhood is established, the appellant’s case, of course, collapses, for the fetus’ right to life would then be guaranteed specifically by the Amendment. Roe v. Wade, 410 U.S. 113, 156-57 (1973).

“Roe v. Wade leaves a door open and the Personhood amendment walks right through that,” DuPré said.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Also read Pro-life Legislation Floods America as well as Life to Personhood Means Death to Roe v. Wade

Mother Sues School over Sexualization Curriculum

A Helena [Montana] mother says the final adoption of a highly controversial proposed health curriculum will cause her and her children “irreparable harm” and is asking a District Court judge to intervene.

UPDATE 9/29/10 - School board meets, changes nothing substantive (video):


UPDATE 9/17/10 (video below): Superintendent stands firm on curriculum with insignificant modifications


UPDATE 9/2/10: Speaking before large crowds in Montana, Dr. Miriam Grossman, a child psychiatrist and medical doctor, says the proposed curriculum provides too much information too soon, and not enough information later on.



For extensive background, read Montana Sex Ed Starting at Kindergarten



-- From "Mother sues over sex-ed curriculum" by Angela Brandt, Independent Record (Helena, MT) 8/21/10

The complaint calls into question the content of the curriculum and the process used to develop it. The complaint alleges the curriculum is in violation of the Montana Constitution because it was developed without any public hearings or meetings where parents could observe and participate.

According to court documents, [Kristi] Allen-Gailushas requested “a seat at the table” via a letter to Superintendent Bruce Messinger and was refused. She then asked to speak at a school board meeting and was ignored, the documents allege, thus violating her freedom of speech and expression.

Allen-Gailushas, a Republican candidate for Montana House District 82, announced her complaint alongside members of the Big Sky Tea Party Association late Friday afternoon at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse. She said the curriculum was decided upon “behind closed doors.”

The proposed curriculum — a 62-page document that covers a wide spectrum of health concerns — is the result of two years of work by a committee. It takes a science-based approach in covering topics such as nutrition, relationships, mental health, environmental health and disease prevention.

Critics take particular issue with the proposal to teach fifth-grade students that sexual activity includes “vaginal, oral, or anal penetration” and ensure kindergarteners through third-graders know the anatomical names for body parts, including the penis and vagina.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.

Atheists Boot Christians from County Fair

Annual Sunday church services canceled at Montana fair after accusations from out-of-state atheist group saying free admission to the fair for the church service is discriminatory.

Same atheists fail in South Carolina: Atheists' Prayer Threat Rejected by Municipalities

-- From "Fair church service, concert moved after pressure from out-of-state 'free thinkers'" by Jessie Higgins, The Missoulian 8/8/10

Missoula [MT] businessman Michael Burks said he worked with fair managers all summer, hoping to host the traditional church service and a Christian rock concert in the fairgrounds' grassy infield arena on Sunday, Aug. 15, but was ultimately turned away.

The county said it did not have adequate time to ensure the church service abided by state and federal laws mandating the separation of church and state, said Missoula County Chief Administrative Officer Dale Bickell.

The county's decision was influenced by a complaint sent to the Missoula Board of County Commissioners in April by the Freedom From Religion Foundation - a Wisconsin-based group of atheists and agnostics who call themselves "free thinkers."

The group "works to educate the public on matters relating to nontheism, and to promote the constitutional principle of separation between church and state," according to its website. "Since 1978, the Foundation has acted on countless violations of the separation of state and church, and has taken and won many significant complaints and important lawsuits to end state/church entanglements and challenge the ‘faith-based initiative.' "

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "In Montana, a Fight Over Separation of Church and Fairgrounds" By Tess Civantos, FoxNews.com 8/11/10

Sunday morning church is a long-standing tradition at the Missoula County Fair, thanks to the Missoula Christian Network’s planning. But that tradition fell by the wayside this year after complaints from a national atheist group, which called the service “a violation of civil rights.”

Rebecca Markert, staff attorney for the atheist/agnostic group Freedom From Religion, said, “Anyone who went to the church service received free admission to the county fair, which is a violation of the Civil Rights Act. It discriminates against non-churchgoers.”

According to Steve Earle, director of the Missoula County Fairgrounds, the churchgoers did receive free admission – but so did every other Sunday morning fair attendee. The fair does not offer churchgoers any special privileges, Earle told FoxNews.com.

Keith Mobley, a pastor with the Missoula Christian Network, said, “There are people in this town that are very anti-Christ, anti-religion, anti-Church. You could say this is Liberal-ville, Montana. But we’re not going to let some out-of-state group tell us we can’t meet at our county fair to worship.”

Meanwhile, Mobley is hopeful the church service will return to next year’s County Fair.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Montana Same-sex Partnerships: ACLU Fights Voters

Despite the Montana constitution that defines marriage as one man and one woman, homosexualists are pressing the courts to defy the will of the people to achieve the same legal standing for same-sex couples as those married.


-- From "ACLU sues Montana over rights for same-sex couples" Associated Press 7/22/10

The ACLU filed the lawsuit Thursday in Helena on behalf of seven gay couples living in the state.

The plaintiffs say state law denies them the same rights as married couples when it comes to health care, end-of-life decisions and inheritance.

They are asking a judge to require the state to make laws and regulations giving gay couples and their families the same protections as married couples.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Montana ACLU files lawsuit seeking same-sex protections" By KXLH News, Helena, MT 7/23/10

The Montana Constitution bars recognition of same-sex marriage.

Betsy Griffing, legal director for ACLU Montana, said, “It’s unfair for same-sex couples who have made commitments and formed families to be treated by the state like legal strangers. Lesbian, gay and bisexual Montanans are valuable and productive members of society who should be treated fairly if their partner is in the hospital or dies without a will.”

Plaintiffs in the case Donaldson and Guggenheim v. State of Montana are Mary Anne Guggenheim and Jan Donaldson of Helena, Stacey Haugland and Mary Leslie of Bozeman, Mike Long and Rich Parker of Bozeman, MJ Williams and Nancy Owens of Basin, Rick Wagner and Gary Stallings of Butte, Denise Boettcher and Kellie Gibson of Laurel, and Casey Charles and David Wilson of Missoula.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Montana Sex Ed Starting at Kindergarten

Following national guidelines, grade school in Helena Montana will start by teaching kindergarteners about genitals, homosexual behavior to first graders, oral sex to pre-pubescent kids . . . and later it gets more explicit.

UPDATE 7/15/10: Latest TV interviews with parents & school superintendent (see below)


-- From "Sex-ed provisions to get public hearing Tuesday" by Alana Listoe, Helena Independent Record 7/11/10

Helena School District administrators and the [revised health enhancement curriculum] document’s creators defend the comprehensive health education document, saying as a whole it will foster a healthier lifestyle for all students as they mature from early childhood into young adults. Opponents say the proposals on human sexuality give too graphic information to children at too young an age.

A committee made up of administrators, teachers, nurses and health and police department officials met for two years [unbeknownst to parents] considering best practices, as well as state and national standards while they developed the 62-page document that encompasses nutrition, relationships, mental health, environmental health and disease prevention.

But the stirring debate in the community has centered on a few pages about human sexuality.

Some of the sticking points are introduction of body parts by their correct names in kindergarten; understanding in first grade that human beings can love people of the same gender; and understanding in fifth grade that sexual intercourse includes, but is not limited to vaginal, oral or anal penetration.

Much of those points being taught at those specific ages coincide with the Guideline for Comprehensive Sexuality Education put out by the National Guidelines Task Force, as well as other national health education standards. The district’s proposal is somewhat conservative on a few points compared to those national guidelines that, for example, say in early elementary school (ages 5 through 8), students should learn that men and women have sperm and egg cells that enable them to reproduce and that vaginal intercourse is when a penis is placed inside the vagina — the most common way for a sperm and egg to join.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.


UPDATE 7/14/10: Video


UPDATE 7/14/10: Video


UPDATE 7/14/10: Video


UPDATE 7/13/10: Video

Unborn Are People Too

After securing ballot initiatives in Colorado and Mississippi, the nationwide effort to establish state constitutional rights for unborn babies is focused on Montana, where Planned Parenthood and the ACLU are pushing back.

-- From "Montana Personhood Amendment Backers Trying Again for Abortion Ballot Vote" by Steven Ertelt, LifeNews.com Editor 5/31/10

Supporters of a personhood amendment are trying a second time to get a measure to define unborn children as people starting at conception on the ballot in Montana. Should they obtain a November vote and Montana residents support it, the measure would challenge legal abortions and head for an immediate court battle.

Last year, the attorney general's office approved the ballot language for the amendment.

Constitutional Initiative 102 would define a human "person" under the scientifically accurate notion of the beginning of human life taking place at conception, or fertilization.

The measure, meant for the 2010 elections, is the second effort to get a personhood proposition on the ballot and it requires 48,000 signatures from state residents. The first measure, in 2008, failed to get enough to qualify.

However, some pro-life groups are not on board because they say the measure would be declared unconstitutional and that the focus should be on changing the Supreme Court so Roe v. Wade can be overturned.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Pro-life 'personhood' effort advances" by Rebekah Falkenstein © 2010 WorldNetDaily 5/30/10

The lead organization in the grass-roots effort, PersonhoodUSA, has until June 18 to secure a spot on Montana's fall election ballot for a state constitutional amendment defining an unborn baby as a person.

The movement that takes aim at the foundation of the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision has enjoyed stunning victories, including qualification for an amendment vote in Colorado this fall and in Mississippi in November 2011.

The personhood approach is based on Justice Harry Blackmun's statement in his majority Roe v. Wade opinion. Blackmun said the landmark case would collapse if "the fetus is a person," because the unborn's "right to life would then be guaranteed" by the Constitution.

. . . the abortion-rights organizations have used dubious lawsuits to slow down the Personhood movement in Missouri, Nevada and Alaska.

The personhood activists say their aims are to change laws state-by-state to re-establish the personhood of all Americans, to raise concern over the "dehumanization and murder" of a class of citizens and to encourage state governors and officials to resist federal advocacy for abortion.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Liberal 'christians' Praise Montana Euthanasia Ruling

Montana Supreme Court clears path for third state to allow physician-assisted suicide, to the satisfaction of local 'church' leaders

-- From "Doctor-Assisted Suicide Gets OK in Montana" Associated Press 12/31/09

Patients and doctors had been waiting for the state's high court to step in after a lower court decided a year ago that constitutional rights to privacy and dignity protect the right to die.

The Montana Supreme Court opinion will now give doctors in the state the freedom to prescribe the necessary drugs to mentally competent, terminally ill patients without fear of being prosecuted, advocates said.

Oregon and Washington state allow assisted suicides for terminally ill patients, with Oregon adopting America's first "death with dignity" law in 1997. [Kathryn L. Tucker, the legal affairs director for Compassion and Choices,] said Montana doctors should now feel comfortable adopting procedures that doctors in the other two states use.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

From "Baxter v. Montana: euthanasia finds support among Pro-Right-to-Die Christian Authority Figures" by Mariya Starchevsky, Newark Religious Issues Examiner 1/4/10

The moral stigma of suicide dates back to Christianity’s proliferation through Europe. Although the Bible does not condemn suicide explicitly, the view of “committing” suicide as a legal crime and a moral sin was adopted from St. Augustine and later by St. Thomas Aquinas. Pages 4-5. In history, suicide was a spiritual offense, because it was thought to mess with the Almighty’s plans.

. . . [The case included an amicus brief filed by religious groups and representatives.] Making their plead for a right to die from a religious point of view were Rev. Canon Gary Waddingham (Episcopal Priest) Rev. Steve Oreskovich (Episcopal Priest), Rev. Meg Hatch (M. Div, UCC) Chuck Heath (M. Div. LCPC, Chaplain), Reverend John C. Board (Episcopal Deacon) Rev. Jean Collins, (Episcopal Priest), Rev. John R. Payne, Journey BE (Disciples of Christ) and Dr. L.A. Kemmerer (Professor). These authorities then list approximately 70 other religious figures from the United Church of Christ, the Church of England, the Unitarian Universalists Association of Congregations, the Methodist Church, etc., all who support euthanasia when concerning competent, terminally ill adults.

These religious amici stress that end-of-life decisions are deeply personal.

“Those who do not share in the religious beliefs and doctrines of groups opposed to aid in dying see this as an unwanted intrusion into what should be a private decision making process between patient and physician." - Deric Weiss, M.D.,Billings, Montana.

“An overriding theme in the [Bible] is ‘free will.’ That is, the reasonable belief that God granted human beings the ability to distinguish between good and evil and to make choices concerning both. - Rev. John C. Board, Episcopal Deacon.

To read the entire article above, CLICK HERE.

Montana Senate Approves Pro-Life Personhood Amendment

Montana became the first state on Thursday to pass a Personhood Amendment – which establishes legal rights for humans from the moment of conception – in the state Senate.

-- From "Montana Senate Approves Pro-Life Personhood Amendment" by Melanie Hunter-Omar, CNSNews.com 2/26/09

SB 406 states: “All persons are born free and have certain alienable rights … person means a human being at all stages of human development of life, including the state of fertilization or conception, regardless of age, health, level of functioning, or condition of dependency.”

Five states have introduced bills affirming personhood rights – including Maryland, North Dakota, Montana, South Carolina, and Alabama. Oregon has started a personhood amendment petition drive, and Mississippi is expected to launch its personhood amendment petition drive in a few weeks.

The amendment now goes to the Montana House of Representatives with a majority vote of 74. Once it passes, it will immediately become part of the state constitution.

To read the entire article, CLICK HERE.